Alessandro De Marchi (BMC Racing Team) escaped without any serious injury after crashing down a ravine on today’s seventh stage of Paris-Nice.

On the final descent towards the finish climb at Valdeblore La Colmiane, the Italian rider flew over the guard rail and into the ravine below. Fortunately, De Marchi was able to climb back onto the road with the help of some race officials. Despite suffering some superficial injuries, he was able to continue racing after a bike change.

He went on to finish the stage in 76th place, 22 minutes behind stage winner Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott).
“I was following Nicolas Roche on the descent and we went into a corner fast and I got a bit scared and braked,” De Marchi explained on the BMC Racing website. “I tried to stop but I was going too fast and just went flying over the barrier. I lay there for about 20 seconds and knew that nothing was broken so I was able to get up. I’m lucky that I just have some abrasions on my leg and shoulder.

“It’s disappointing because I was feeling really good and was about to attack from the breakaway. My problem today was that I didn’t have any fear in the descents and this is a dangerous thing.”